The Chennai Corporation has planned to rename 50 roads, which are now named after foreigners. These roads will soon be renamed after Tamil scholars and other significant contributors to the language.
Speaking at an all-party meeting convened here on Monday, Mayor M. Subramanian said, “The European contributors to Tamil will also be recognised. Ellis Road will not be renamed because the person had translated Thirukkural.” The civic body has made a list of 52 roads. After the council's approval for renaming 50 roads is obtained, the State government will make the final decision, said Mr.Subramanian.
Some of the important roads identified for renaming include Haddows Road, Harrington Road, Sterling Road, Mcnichols Road, Taylors Road, Ormes Road, Greams Road, Montieth Road, Pantheon Road, and Eldams Road.
The list includes Stringer Road, Umpherson Road, New Farrence Road, Stephensons Road, Cooks Road, General Collins Road, Frazer Road, Flowers Road, Millers Road, Balfour Road, Landons Road, Halls Road, Blackers Road, Adams Street, Erran Street, Emi Street, Casa Major Road, Molony Road, Wennells Road, Anderson Road, Moore's Road, Binny Road, Patullos Road, Whites Road, Woods Road, Westcott Road, Murrays Gate Road, New Boag Road, Madley Road, Jones Road, Jeenis Road, Burkit Road, De Silva Road and Leith Castle Road.
Mayor M.Subramanian said the civic body was in the process of seeking the opinion of residents on renaming the roads.
“The names of foreigners who had contributed to our society should continue. But the roads named after foreigners who owned property in the area may be renamed,” said historian V. Sriram.
